- Stress and anxiety
- Addictions support
- Grief and adjustment
About Donald
Donald Essex is a California Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) with 12 years of experience. He works with people facing stress, anxiety, addictions, grief, bipolar disorder, and those coping with life changes. He also focuses on issues like abandonment, attachment difficulties, autism and Asperger syndrome, caregiver stress, chronic pain or illness, and problems with communication and commitment.
He describes his work as practical and direct. Sessions are conversational and focus on identifying what feels stuck and what matters next. He helps people talk through patterns that keep them feeling overwhelmed, and he supports clearer decision-making about work, relationships, and day-to-day routines.
Donald draws on evidence-based therapeutic techniques to address mood conditions, substance use, and adjustment challenges. He adapts the pace to the person, offering steadier support for ongoing concerns like bipolar disorder and stepwise planning for life transitions. He also addresses underlying relationship and attachment themes that affect mood and behavior.
His approach pays attention to concrete coping skills as well as longer-term change. That might include building routines, improving communication, reducing problematic substance use, or managing grief and loss in manageable steps. He aims to keep sessions focused on practical next steps rather than abstract lists of goals.
To begin working together, visitors are invited to follow the site process to complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule an initial session. Fees vary by location and use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
Therapeutic approaches and working online
Donald works with evidence-based therapeutic techniques aimed at changing unhelpful patterns and improving day-to-day functioning. One common approach focuses on building practical coping skills and routines to reduce anxiety and manage mood swings; this helps with stress, bipolar symptoms, and getting through difficult days. Another approach targets substance use and addictive behaviors by breaking habits into manageable steps, addressing triggers, and planning safer choices.Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will review what you want to address, try methods that fit your situation, and adjust plans based on what works for you. That means sessions can shift between short-term problem solving and longer-term work on relationships or mood regulation as needed.
The original biography does not list specific online formats, so confirm the available session options before booking. In general, online sessions can help fit therapy into a busy life by removing travel time, allowing quicker check-ins, and offering options that match daily routines. They can also make it easier to schedule appointments around work, caregiving, or medical needs. Licensed professionals will work with you to set a pace and format that fits your schedule and goals.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
12+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he commonly help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, addictions, grief, bipolar disorder, and people coping with life changes.
How does he approach someone feeling stuck?
He uses practical, conversational sessions that identify patterns keeping someone stuck and focus on concrete next steps.
What is his background and experience?
He has 12 years of professional work experience in the mental health field and experience supporting mood, substance use, and adjustment issues.
What credentials and location are listed?
He is a California Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (CA LPCC) based in California.
Which languages are supported and can he see international clients?
Sessions are offered in English. He does not accept international clients.
What session formats are offered?
The original biography does not specify session formats, so confirm current session options before booking.
How do costs and payment work?
Fees vary with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started with him?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.